2. Close your eyes and imagine you’re
hearing what your child is about to hear.

3. Press your lips
together and count to 10…or better yet, to 20.

4. Put your child in a time-out chair
(remember this rule: one time-out minute for each year of age).

5. Put yourself in a time-out chair. Think
about why you are angry: is it your child, or is your child simply a convenient
target for your anger?

6. Phone a friend.

7. If someone can
watch the children, go outside and take a walk.

8. Take a hot bath or
splash cold water on your face.

9. Hug a pillow.

10. Tum on some music.
Maybe even sing along.

11. Pick up a pencil and write down as many
helpful words as you can think of. Save the list.

12. Call for prevention
information: 1-800-CHILDREN

Courtesy of Prevent Child Abuse America

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a preventable, severe form of
physical child abuse resulting from violently shaking an infant by the
shoulders, arms, or legs. SBS may result from both shaking alone or from
shaking with impact.

The bottom line is that vigorously shaking a baby can be fatal or
result in a permanent disability. Shaking most often occurs in response to a baby
crying, or other factors that can lead the person caring for a baby to become
frustrated or angry. All babies cry and do things that can frustrate
caregivers; however, not all caregivers are prepared to care for a baby.

Everyone, from caregivers to bystanders, can do something to help.

If you are a friend, family member or other caregiver:

■ be aware of new parents in your family or community who may need
help or support.

■ provide support by offering to give them a break, sharing a
parent helpline number, or simply being a friend.

■ let the parent know that the crying can be very frustrating,
especially when they’re tired and stressed. Reinforce that crying is normal and
that it will get better.

■ tell the parent how to leave his or her baby in a safe place
while he or she takes a break.

■ be sensitive and supportive in situations when parents are
trying to calm a crying baby.

■ think about policies or services that could be resources for new
parents in your community—advocate for those that don’t exist.

Nurture Your
Child's Self-Esteem

As early as infancy, children begin to develop a sense of
self. The way your eyes twinkle as you
hold your baby; your smile and other facial expressions and the tone of your
voice are absorbed by your baby. The way
you behave, the things you say and what your baby is exposed to, all matters.
You will have a huge impact on your child’s self-esteem.

The praises you give your child as they grow matter as well. Your approval of what they are doing gives
them a sense of pride. They begin to
realize they can do things for their own self and still have you to turn to if
they need help. They are learning to
trust and to be independent and learning that they are capable and strong.

The opposite is true also. When children are belittled and constantly
compared to siblings or others they begin to feel unworthy and hopeless. Loaded statements, like: “You are
stupid. Look what you did now!” hurt
much like a physical blow.

As parents we all
need to choose our words carefully and show compassion. All of us make mistakes. Let us all try to have empathy for all the
people we encounter, both children and adults.